Coptic Christians demonstrate in front of the state television building in Cairo. Photograph: EPA

The head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox church, Pope Shenouda III, has called on followers to end a week-long sit-in in front of a government building in Cairo after a mob attacked Christian protesters and their supporters, injuring 78. The sit-in was to draw attention to the plight of Christians, who have been the target of several attacks by Muslim fundamentalists in the weeks since President Hosni Mubarak was forced from office by a popular uprising. A statement from the church leader said outsiders have infiltrated the sit-in, making the situation more explosive and dangerous.